Art

Art

We believe that Art and Design stimulates creativity, imagination and inventiveness. We believe that Art and Design gives our children the skills, concepts and knowledge necessary for them to express responses to ideas and experiences. It fires their imaginations and allows them to express themselves freely.  Art and Design enables our children to communicate what they see, feel and think. Children experiment with their ideas, their use of colour, texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes. Self-evaluation of work is encouraged and children are taught how to be resilient to achieve their goals. The teaching of Art and Design provides all children with opportunities to express themselves freely and also helps them to develop an appreciation and respect for the work of others.

 “Art and Design is not just a subject to learn, but an activity that you can practise with your hands, your eyes, your whole personality.” Quentin Blake

By the time our pupils leave St Joseph’s we want them to be confident artists and designers who are passionate about expressing themselves through Art and Design. They will leave our school with fond memories of Art and Design and will be equipped with the skills and knowledge that is paramount for their enjoyment and success in any future Art and Design.

The Art and Design curriculum is designed by the Art Leader and focuses on the progression of skills and knowledge that children need to develop in their artistic ability. We value the use of sketch books and encourage the importance of experimentation, exploration and we use these to show progression in their artistic ability. We provide children with opportunities to work independently and in groups to produce collaborative art work. Artists, styles and cultures from around the world are studied to ensure our children are exposed to many varieties of Art and Design. Art and Design lessons are planned to ensure clear progression that develops children’s skills and knowledge but also builds upon prior learning. This will ensure that children retain their knowledge and can apply their skills to other aspects of Art and Design. Lessons are incorporated across the curriculum, making learning fun and accessible for all pupils. While it is essentially a practical subject, we provide opportunities for reflection and, with increasing sensitivity, our pupils develop the ability to make informed, critical responses of their own work and that of others.

Children will be become creative learners, who have a web of knowledge about the great artists of the world. Creativity and uniqueness will be celebrated and children will become astute at editing and improving the pieces they have created. As teachers, there will be an emphasis placed on individuality and children will be given the freedom to explore art using their imaginations. Children will have embedded the key art and design skills needed to allow them to produce inventive pieces of art.  

What our children say about Art and Design at St Joseph’s:

KS1

“You can make anything you like. You just have to draw it!” Aoife

“I like colouring bikes.” Eddie

“I love painting and using chalks to make light and dark.” Grace

“I like mixing colours to make new colours.” Flynn

“It’s so fun when we make things from clay and paint them.” Rex

“Art is amazing because it shows me how to draw.” Reese

KS2

“I love doing Art because I get to be really creative.” Frank

“In Art, I love shading to make my drawings look 3D.” Eden